Rotorua projects get funding boost

The money will help with improvements to accessing Whakarewarewa forest. Photo: Sam Gardner.

Rotorua has taken two steps forward towards achieving long-term goals with funding being approved for two of council's ‘Big Moves' projects.

Rotorua Lakes Council's ‘Big Moves' are important, multi-year projects that reflect what the district is trying to achieve against their strengths and opportunities and are intended to ensure ongoing progress towards the 2030 goals.

They include creating affordable housing that meets needs; a development company; an Eastern corridor development; forest entrance improvements; lakefront revitilisation; and investment in the aquatic centre.

In an announcement made on Friday, Regional Economic Development Under-Secretary Fletcher Tabuteau has just approved $811,625 from the Provincial Growth Fund will go towards two of the six projects.

'There are six Big Moves projects in total with money from the PGF going towards final business cases for developing and enhancing Rotorua's Lakefront and Whakarewarewa Forest,” Fletcher Tabuteau said.

'These projects will develop and extend key infrastructure at the lakefront and forest which will support the growth of the tourism sector as well as provide investment opportunities and employment.

'It is anticipated the projects once complete will generate over $350 million in private and iwi investment, and potentially over 800 jobs for the region.

'It's transformational projects like these that the PGF is interested in advancing and it's been great to see the spirit of collaboration between the Rotorua Lakes Council and local iwi who have been key partners in developing both projects over many years.”

He has also acknowledged the Bay of Connections Group who released its Visitor Economy Strategy alongside the PGF announcement.

'We now have an overarching visitor economic strategy for the wider region which provides a context for the lakeside and forest projects.

'This is a fantastic accomplishment and I acknowledge the work and commitment from all the partners involved, including the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment,” says Fletcher Tabuteau.

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